#amandaskipper

We have all been around social media long enough to know about the different challenges/hashtags that trend. Anyone remember the Harlem Shake? I recall that trend going around at my school before I had an Instagram account; or rather, I wasn’t really invested with social media at the time. Even so, the Harlem Shake challenge was something I knew of and did with my friends at their Birthday parties. It amazes me how one small idea can get popular and spread around so quickly. Most mainly, participate in these challenges, because of the fact it is popular so they themselves can be too on their posts. Others do it just for the fun of it.

For me personally I have a bit of mixed opinions. On one hand, they can be entertaining to watch, take Tiktok for example. Anytime someone comes up with a new dance, it’s the latest trend and ends up becoming a popular hashtag. I myself had tried but failed at the dances, unbelievably they aren’t as easy as they look. Mind you, I’m not really a dancer, still as the saying goes practise makes perfect. Then there are also the filter effects on Tiktok that go viral. Although that’s mainly due to the fact they’re more interactive. Like the 6-Second Challenge where you have to blink at exactly 6 seconds and I am proud to say I have completed this after many attempts. 

However, there is a dark side to these social media challenges. Some can be quite painful and even put someone’s life at risk. I remember watching YouTube video about the Choking/Fainting/Pass-Out Challenge. I never heard of it, so I clicked to see what it was about. I had an idea based off the name but thought it was absolutely ridiculous of why there would be a challenge for people to purposely make themselves faint or wanting to pass out. I didn’t see the ‘fun’ in it despite being a minor myself at the time. Needless to say I was shocked when I found out how many kids and teenagers had passed away from the said challenge. Apparently you could get a brief sense of euphoria or ‘rush of feeling high’ from it. Whilst it may seem obvious how dangerous it is, to a young audience they won’t know any better. Even if they are aware of the consequences, if their friend did it, then why couldn’t they? It’s a dangerous and horrible mindset in this situation. But I did learn something, not every trending hashtag is all that it’s cracked up to be.

Stay committed, they need to rely on you

One of the tips Paul gave was that you had to love the art, which I found extremely important. If you don’t love what you do, then it’ll be difficult to motivate and continue to do your job. You may find it boring, not have the patience for it or constantly get frustrated at the results you get and when you have clients, you need to get the work done.

Portfolios don’t work for everyone

Whilst it is good to have a portfolio, don’t threat too much if it doesn’t work out for you. Every artist is different and some photographers don’t rely on their portfolio to get them work.

It’s not going to happen overnight

I feel like this can fall with any bit of work. You should never expect anything to happen overnight, and photography is no different. Just because you have, a phone or camera does not make you an expert photographer.

Winner has a plan, loser has an excuse

If you want to get somewhere, plan. There will be times where you have to think on the spot and go with what you have. Even in the end, if it doesn’t end up being successful or going the direction you hoped it would. As long as you tried and looked at all the possible outcomes, that’s good enough. What’s not is giving up and trying to make excuses for it

There’s a 1000 photographers out there, you have to make them want you

You have to stand out from the crowd and make them want you. One opportunity could be all you need to prove yourself.

Be bold 

1) Believe in yourself and surprise yourself

I found this quote by Fayida Jailler to be truly motivating as it does take me back to how I first felt about going to university. I had in my mind that no matter what, I would never be good enough and that there was no point in applying or when I did I should quit ahead. Yet I pulled through, made some awesome friends, learned new skills and interests and had an experience I will never forget.

2) Try lots of things

Similar to the previous quote, Fred Bhat strongly encouraged going for any opportunity. I don’t have a set goal in mind so going for every opportunity being given is what I’d like to do. As I may find something, I had never thought I would be interested in. He also mentioned how none of it is a waste of time, as you’ll learn new skills, find out that the career itself isn’t for you, make connections and help give you an idea of what you really want to do.

A short comic on how I feel Covid-19 will affect my future. This one took me a while to do with all the colouring.

Despite the rough year 2020 has been, I feel more confident with my future. Media Trust has given me so many opportunities and confidence in myself. I have made Vlogs, started a YouTube channel, learned how to make a podcast and pushed myself so I can create content. Although I am still wondering in which direction I want to aim for, I am keeping my mind and options open.

I’m sure we’ve all been to a comic convention or maybe you’re thinking about attending your first one? I remember attending my first con and how overwhelming it was. I wanted to see one of my favourite voice actors at the time but sadly never did seeing, as we couldn’t find his panel. Nevertheless, I’ve been going to cons ever since. Regardless of the reason, here’s a quick guide to what you can do.  However, before you shrug off saying that “cons are not really my thing” I guarantee there is something of your interest.

1) Meet your favourite celebrities

Most conventions have their own special guest panel, from actors/actresses to voice actors, and even YouTube creators, gamers and the artist to your favourite comic. So check the website and see if you can find anyone, you recognise.  You may finally get to meet your idol.

Important note, keep in mind not all guests can attend every day of the convention. Make sure you get the day right and always double check for updates.

2) Play Games

Board games, video games, they got it! You can even participate in tournaments, as long as you sign up of course. However, if it’s not your cup of tea, just play a friendly game. I myself plan to play and bring along my Guess Who game when conventions are on again with my friend.

3) Watch Anime/Movies

Not all but few anime/film conventions have rooms where they highlight your favourite anime series or films. It’s one way to relax, after all being on your feet all day can get quite tiring, so why not entertain yourself? 

4) Cosplay

Of course, we cannot forget about cosplay. This is pretty much one of the main reasons why people attend. Dressing up from your favourite show, game or your own character. Even if you are not into cosplay, you can’t deny the effort and time they put in to doing their makeup or making the costume. It’s also a fun way to meet other fans of the series, film or shows you’re into. Moreover, who doesn’t want to get a photo with their favourite character?  

5) Take Photos and Photoshoots

Although this somewhat goes along with cosplaying nothing is stopping you from doing it in general. Have to get that top quality photo for Instagram! Nevertheless, conventions are the best place to have them and get some practice.

It’s always fun dressing up and getting to pose with someone else in a cosplay. Whether you are cosplaying from the same show or doing a crossover. How about a cute selfie? In my experience, my friends and I had photographers ask if they can take a photo. It’s one way to promote their business and gain a client for future photoshoots. Other times they just love the cosplay and do it for fun. Personally, we usually have someone in the friend group taking the photos, unless we want one of all of us in it, in which case we ask the closest person to us. Everyone is friendly so there is never a problem.

6) See and make new friends

This is probably my favourite if I’m completely honest. Nothing is more amazing then being able to see your friends again at con. Even if it’s hard to recognise each other at first, or making new friends along on the way. The last con I went to, I was able to meet with one of my online friends and seeing, as we only know each other in cosplay we recognised each other immediately. I must admit it was weird to be able to meet them in person, instead of just chatting to them online. However, the entire day was super fun!

Me (askippzer) on the left and right my friend (narut9_) on Instagram

7) Set up your own store

If you’re an artist whether it be illustrations, designing or comic book artist you can always set up your own store. Keeping in mind you will have to pay for a table, as well as to be quick, as spots get taken fast. However, one helpful tip I’ve learnt is having someone else to share a store with. That way you can both split the money of buying a table and you will have someone watching over it whilst you enjoy the rest of the con.

8) Spending Money

When you go to con, you will most likely be spending a lot of money. So one of my suggestions is to save up before the con itself. That way you can spend as much as you want

9) Events

Every convention is different so I can’t stress enough to make sure you look at the website to what convention you plan on going to. Some conventions would have events after con like 18+ panels or meetups for cosplayers during the con. I’ve personally never been to any of them so I can’t talk from personal experience. I’ve just witnessed them from Vlogs of other cosplayers.

10) Finally, just have fun! 

Enjoy the con and take time for yourself when you need it. Make friends, geek about your favourite shows and relax. Having fun is the most important part!

If there’s anything I’m missing feel free to comment, but I hope this has helped give an idea on what conventions are about. Thanks for reading! 

At first, I wasn’t sure what to write or do for this question. I struggled with what to come up with, as I didn’t feel like I did much since quarantine started. So instead, I written a list of anything I did including shows I watched. I noticed there were a few hobbies I’ve rediscovered like animating, photography and even gaming. I’ve learned new skills as well, from starting a business to how to make a podcast and filming.

However, one thing I’d like to talk about here is being more self-aware of my body. Around March I discovered a lump on my breast, it wasn’t cancerous thankfully, but still a hard lump so my thoughts were all over the place. I managed to get an appointment to the doctors at the end of March. They did a thorough check-up and since I showed no signs of the other symptoms, they were able to rule out cancer. They did still refer me to the hospital so I could find out the cause.

Due to covid19, I didn’t get an appointment until June. I was told I would have the appointment by the end of the week but it never happened. Although it was fine, as I understood why, I just couldn’t help but overthink the worst outcomes in my head. Some days I forgot about it, other days I was panicking and stressing. I was in pain whenever I slept on my side, as it was very sensitive. It wasn’t until at the end of May that the pain started subsiding and I felt like myself again.

At the 1st June I got a call from the hospital asking if I’d be free for an appointment that week. I went in on the Thursday calm and stress free as I was no longer worried. If anything, they struggled to find where the lump was as I no longer felt the pain. Nevertheless, they still found it. I’ve waited a couple hours and they told me it wasn’t anything serious. Rather it would heal overtime and that lumps was normal considering my age. Despite this, I was still shaken up from everything. I was worried about it for so long and I finally found my answer. Before I left, the doctor gave me a leaflet to help distinguish breast pain. Even having a mini calendar to mark off how long the pain had started. I took it upon myself to read and learn the differences, one thing I know for sure however. NEVER RELY ON GOOGLE!